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. 2019 Jan 25;24(3):362–385. doi: 10.1177/2472555218822098

Table 1.

Classification of the LGIC Superfamily.

Type Subtypes/Subunits Main Functions in the CNS Involvement in CNS Diseases
Anionic Cys-loop receptors
GABAA α1–6, β1–3, γ1–3, δ ε π θ Neuronal hyperpolarization, resulting in inhibitory effect on neuronal activity Anxiety, insomnia, agitation219
Glycine α1–4, β Inhibitory neurotransmission Hyperekplexia220
Cationic Cys-loop receptors
Serotonin (5-HT3) 5-HT3A–E Modulation of neurotransmitter release in interneurons, regulating the nausea-vomiting system in the CNS Schizophrenia, addiction, anxiety and cognitive dysfunctions, emesis6,62
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) Muscle type:
α1, β1, γ, δ, ε
Neuronal type:
α2–10, β2–4
Large diversity in roles, depending on subtype
Mainly regulate presynaptic neurotransmitter release
Excitatory postsynaptic potential (muscle type and ganglional), post- and presynaptic excitation
Involved in memory and cognitive functions
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, dementia, attention deficit, pain, depression, anxiety, and depression31,59
Zinc-activated ion channel (ZAC) Function not yet elucidated221
Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs)
AMPA GluA1–4 Fast synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity Epilepsy222
Kainate GluK1–5 Postsynaptic kainate receptors: excitatory neurotransmission
Presynaptic kainate receptors: modulating GABA release
Epilepsy223
NMDA GluN1,
GluN2A–D, GluN3A–B
Synaptic plasticity; learning and memory Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and schizophrenia224
Orphan GluD1–2 Synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and motor coordination in cerebellum Ataxia, dementia, and schizophrenia225
ATP-gated channels
P2X purinoreceptor P2X1–7 Nociception and modulation of synaptic transmission Chronic pain226